Blue Toon optician retires after 28 years

Alan Macdonald, Company Director, John Hughes, Company Director, Donnie Davidson, Company Director, Andrew Mcleod, Company Director

Published:15:02Wednesday 20 April 2016

Share this article

A popular Peterhead optician has retired from the business after 28 years.

Donnie Davidson, company director of Hughes, Macdonald and Davidson opticians in Drummers Corner, has decided the time is right to spend some quality time with his wife Margaret and family at home and abroad.

Donnie, along with friends and business partners, John Hughes and Alan Macdonald started Hughes, Macdonald & Davidson Opticians more than 28 years ago, when they first opened their doors in Peterhead.

Following that success, they opened businesses in Inverurie, Turriff and Banchory, then welcomed new business partner, Andrew McLeod.

Running their own business and expanding that business, while maintaining the level of service expected from HMD opticians is a testament to the partners that they did so with the right attitude and respect for each other, never once falling out and to this day remain the best of friends. During Donnie’s time at HMD Opticians, he made a huge impact in every aspect of his work.

As company director and business manager, Donnie had the financial knowledge and frugal attitude, which meant he kept a tight rein on spending.

He always needed a strong reason to spend, which sometimes seemed harsh but invariably he was correct.

As the firm’s longest serving dispensing optician, Donnie had to keep up to date with trends, designers and styles and always managed to surprise staff with his choice of frames which patients would love.

Donnie’s decision to retire wasn’t taken lightly.

Having been in optics for more than 40 years, he has his mum to thank for a very successful and rewarding career, but he has decided it’s time to enjoy life with Margaret, his wife and his family at home and abroad, especially his grandchildren Lyle and Pippa.

Company director, John Hughes said: “After 28 years together, I can’t quite believe Donnie won’t be in practice on Monday morning. We have had the best of times together, creating and running a successful business.

“As for the man, he will be missed dearly, especially his great sense of humour, we’ve had the most laughs over the years. We’ll also miss his uncanny ability to bring meetings to an end with the classic line ‘I’m bored now’. We wish Donnie a joyous and rewarding retirement and if it’s half as good as the last 28 years, he’s in for a heck of a time.”